The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has promised to improve all federal roads across Nigeria in 2014 and beyond, an official has said.
.
A member of the board of the agency, Alhaji Ahmed Gusau, said this when he addressed a news conference in Sokoto on Tuesday.
.
Gusau, a former Deputy Governor in Sokoto State, also said, “the potholes that you see, that are disturbing Nigerians on the roads are being aggressively addressed.
.
“This is to ensure safe driving by Nigerians.
.
This is one of the cardinal responsibilities of FERMA and I believe we are up to the task.
.
“By the special grace of God, 2014 will witness much of such intensity of maintaining Nigerian roads,” Gusau, also a former Minister of Solid Minerals, said.
.
Gusau explained that the gesture was to ensure that Nigerian roads were safe for movement of persons and property.
.
The FERMA board member, however, decried the habit of overloading by articulated vehicles, which he said, were wreaking havoc on Nigerian roads.
.
“There is no reason for you to put 60 tonnes in a vehicle of 30 tonnes; that act is giving serious depression on the roads.
.
“Before you know it potholes will come up, hence, killing Nigerians by creating such dangerous potholes,’’ he added.
.
Gusau further urged Nigerians to desist from such nefarious acts, saying that motorists should not be “hasty” in their bid to make money.
.
The former minister also advised Nigerians to patronise the railways and inland waterways, which he said had been revived by the Federal Government.
.
“This should be done in the interests of our roads and Nigerians,’’ he said.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate